After back-to-back defeats against Blackburn and Newcastle to end 2011 and open 2012, there were many who doubted that Manchester United would be able to successfully defend their Premier League crown. At that time, though only three points separated United and City at the top, many United supporters would’ve been content with a three-point lead going into the pivotal late-season derby at the Etihad Stadium.
But after overturning that deficit and taking an eight-point lead with only six matches remaining, a three-point lead can seem like a major disappointment. What’s perhaps most disappointing is that United held that advantage going into a fairly favorable pre-derby stretch. But instead of notching three straight wins to all but wrap up the title, United decided to make the task a little harder. As a result, there will be many a United supporter whose nerves will be shot well before Monday night’s kick-off.
United are 11-1 to win 2-1 on Monday night, with Rooney 7/1 to score the opening goal. Back Rooney to lead United to a (near) title-clinching win on Ladbrokes with a free £50 bet.
Of course, there might not be any nerves left at this point anyway, given how much of an emotional ride this season has been. Just over the last few months, there have been numerous tense finishes, several key wins, the Europa League exit and recent results against Wigan and Everton, and the multiple momentum shifts that have set up a gripping climax in the title race.
Derby days are always emotional for the obvious reasons, but there’s more emotion in this derby than any in some time because there’s so much at stake. And with so much time to sit and stew about the draw against Everton, the title race‘s closeness, and the possible outcomes Monday night and in the title race, there’s no wonder why nerves will be frayed before the kickoff, much less during the match itself.
Fortunately, you can guarantee that the players won’t share the same mindsets that fans might. Sure, there are naturally nerves and thoughts about the occasion and situation, but where the fan is often unable to keep such emotions and thoughts in check, players are able to switch off when it’s time to perform, and they can far more easily put poor results behind them.
That’s part of why United supporters should feel at least a little less tense ahead of the match. United are no strangers to big games, to rising to the occasion in a tense situation, to responding to adversity or poor results. This Premier League campaign has been a fine example. From dealing with numerous injuries, most notably to captain and defensive rock Nemanja Vidic, to the comeback at Chelsea, to responding to the Blackburn and Newcastle defeats by launching the long unbeaten run that put them in the driver’s seat, United have kept their cool and stood tall every time they were prematurely written off.
So, we should expect United to step up on Monday night, and if they perform as we have seen them do time and again in big games, then they’ll come away still in full control of their destiny. Sure, things are closer than they should be. The players couldn’t have been pleased about not closing things out against Everton, and you can be 1000% sure that Fergie wasn’t. But instead of agonizing over what wasn’t done, Fergie, as always, is looking forward, focusing on a strong, positive response, and the players will be focused on delivering.
United were in a similar position last season, holding a three-point lead with three matches remaining, with title rivals Chelsea coming to town. They delivered then, producing a 2-1 win to move within a point of the title, a point picked up in the next round at Blackburn. There are differences this season, as City hold a six-goal edge in goal difference and host this potentially decisive clash, but the mission’s still as simple. United would still be in pole position with a draw, but the door could remain open into the season’s final day. But with a win, United would again be able to clinch the title with at least a point in round 37.
So, you can expect United to go in search of a win. And why not? Yes, City have been an excellent league mark at the Etihad this season, winning 15 in a row before a draw against Sunderland, and picking up 49 of 51 possible points at home. As a result, it’s no surprise that Ladbrokes have City as 6/5 favorites to win. But United have already notched a win there, and they own the league’s best away record by a decent margin, with a dozen wins, three draws, and only two defeats in 17 matches.
It’s entirely possible that United could lose. Defeat is possible in any match. Defeat in this one would hand the initiative to City, but even still, United wouldn’t throw in the towel, knowing the title tide could quickly turn again, as City’s penultimate match is away to Newcastle, who are presently in the league‘s best run of form. But knowing they want to control their own destiny, and their history in these situations, there’s every reason to be confident about United picking up a pivotal positive result in enemy territory, and the 9/4 on United to win could end up looking like a real steal.
Man Utd News 24/7
Nil nerves palpable from the red army.You just need to see the gaffers press conference and realise how pumped up he is come Monday.
Just hope the lads can borrow a leaf from the wily old footie knight.
Willie
Any chance of an aberration on Monday?
May the real United please stand up.
hic! hic!…
“Round 37″ What is this ? Fucking La Liga?
very very nervous, can’t describe it…..anyway even if we lost and shitty won the title.I’ll always be faithfull …United till i die .
@ king eric good one. @ costas ur lucky carm is here.
Ha.Just been on the mail about the Pep story and shit loads of non Barca fans from England are actually in “mourning at this legend”. Fucking grow up you pathetic cunts.
gonna fucking own the bitters
C’MON YOU CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND!
our manager appears calm. no shit he’s the best in the history of the business and why wouldn’t he be. why the fuck would WE not be. we’re ahead by 3 pts, bitters are staring at our bossoms. sh-tty might have an impressive home record, but they’ve also not faced the mighty manchester united fc at home this season in the league. when we did face them in the fa cup, we beat those noisy neigbors. and i am confident we will do again
See Mancini’s putting his two penneth in about Hazard now. Reckon he is gonna be just another Rent Boy:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2135963/Roberto-Mancini-determined-sign-Eden-Hazard.html
keano99 – Cheers mate.
yeah right. hope Utd don’t hold nerve the same way they did against Wigan and Everton, hardly the power houses….Utd’s lack of quality was exposed time and again this season but the old man seems oblivious…just really pray Evans , Evra do not show their true color: utter lack of abilty and clumsiness. Who’s going to play at RB? Rafael is plain rubbish. Jones may be Ok if stays on his feet. Whatever happened to Smalling?? In any case, SAF’s failure to strengthen at the correct positions last summer is costing Utd dear. Not only because I’m a long-time Utd fan but also for the sake of football, let’s hope Utd win the league this term and then rebuild heavily in summer. Otherwise, it will be just obscene (other people’s ) money at City that will crudely buy success.
if you don’t curse it then we have an excellent chance your adminship!
King Eric will have a field day pretty soon.
@keano99
Yep, here it is! Now lets hope he doesn’t post a 2nd one.
@john tring
Fuck off you wum.
I like any true red would have been more than hqppy going into a title decider 3 points ahead of the berties.
United are a big match club and im relishing the battle come monday.
Get stuck in lads
19 going on 20
Aaaaaaaarrrrrrgggghhhhhh!!!!!!!!
Tring – Fuck off you cunt. Seen you on Mail site and you are fooling nobody you mug.
Costas – Ha. Just seen your comment. He is a wum and I KNOW he is.
Even if we don’t win? Fuck it! Not going to make me stop supporting United. Gutted? Hell yeah, but slag our club?? No. Like giggs12 points out regularly , a lot of spoilt fuckers. I remember dreaming of still being involved in April when I started following this great club. Loved the club, the trophies were a bonus! Some people have lost sight of that! Cunts!
Just heard on Twitter there from Nick Coppack? Quoting Fergie, “Everyones fit for Monday” Evans will probably start now. United!
That quotes from Mutv.
Tring just being himself as ever, WUM of the highest order….
All it takes is sanctions against Abu Dhabi for City to go back to their relegation status.
I am relaxed about the game now. Will be excited closer to the time. All that needed to be said has been said. I see Mancini has recalled Balotelli and blamed Tevez if they lose. So all in order at City. With Balotelli back in the squad maybe we will b saying – Why Always Us !!!!!!!!!!!
City fans apparently selling their tickets to the highest bidders. True fans they are. Monday bloody Monday! Roll on Monday. Please let our MF hold enough sway.
When their playing in your town get yourself to that football ground
Take a lesson you will see, football taught by Matt Busby
Oh Manchester, Manchester United
A bunch of bouncing Busby babes they derserve to be knighted………..
Really confident for Monday I am buzzing, this is what we do, win lose or draw its all about being involved and winning trophies. Get beat fuck it, win or draw and I am going to get fucking smashed in town.
Denis Irwin: “If you’re not nervous for a game like this there’s something wrong with you.”
Spot on from Denis and from Sir Alex.
This is why we are a big club, because we handle adversity well in the main. We could loose this game and still win the title. We could win this game and still lose the title. This is football.
As I am sure has been said: “Football? It isn’t for the light of heart” .
Life didn’t end when Mourinho and Arsene snatched a couple of titles. We retool and we strive to be there or there abouts come may. Pull up you Wellies or tighten your boots and get in there lads. There is a title on the line and only big men are going to win it.
Giggs12
As will I mate, Limassol will know there’s a RED on the piss come Monday night!!
Cedars
Correct mate, this is what its all about, year after year United are there. I fucking love this club and fuck being nervous.
We win we win, we dont we have no complaints as City did us, they have one to their name we have 19.
I know which side of Manchester I would rather be.
Well I reckon today is a very important day in the history of football
Despite our CL performance this year, SAF was right when he said Barcelona under there current reincarnation will only last 4 years as it is.
Everyone said the man was deluded and today look what happened?
He knew something that’s why he said it.
At the FIFA event before Christmas he sat next to Guardiola laughing joking telling the world when asked would he like Guardiola to succeed him – that why would he expect him too since he had Barca
He knew something that’s why he said it.
Tippy tappy football whatever I get it – but Guardiola has one thing Mourinho doesn’t and that is the total 100% belief following – even ritual reliance on youth.
What Guardiola created with Barca B is his lasting legacy – the youth team has grown up to now become the Barca team as they are – when Xavi and company were waxing lyrical in 08 that Pep was manager and they couldn’t wait, we were all thinking yep whatever.
Four years on I get it – no matter what at least he stuck to the principles of youth.
And before his buying record is sought after, I think it’s safe to say every manager has his fair share of you know Bebe’s and Dongs etc etc.
I do also get that people are looking at his time in office but I do reckon that a yearly contract since his manager role began was there for a reason – he leaves as Sir Alex Ferguson put it – again I’m not saying anything further.
Could he not be the next United manager?, well of course he may not – but what he needs is what everyone craves for – the ability to create history and legacy together – to be given time to breathe when there maybe no time for you at all – at the end Pep has taken the world of Barca full circle – he has given them what they have been yearning and wanting for since Cruyff. For Barca this is symbolic and problematic – Guardiola burnt out not because he couldn’t take it anymore but because the expectations were beyond reasonable – to sustain brilliance as a manager is an incredible feat, but to expect players to do it game in game out for every year is simply impossible – the fact that he had Barca going at the top for so long is incredible.
The thing is at United that wouldn’t be the case – at United it’s about time and patience and ultimately winning but also learning about losing. It’s important to understand that at Barca whilst he would have been forgiven easily for this year, it’s about keeping up with everyones demands to keep the club going.
What I am saying is that Guardiola assumed more than he would be expected at United.
And that’s where we come to OT.
The whole Glazer thing has been hard to digest. The debt has been hard to digest knowing that we could have spent a lot more to carry the team on – a point a lot of us make.
The scaremongering however was just that. They have in time clearly established that they are here to build the club and brand – the football talking is done only by the manager and his staff – nothing else is there to be worried about.
Our achievements have been therefore incredible. And we nearly cracked Europe more times than ever but alas Barca stood in our way.
Will Barca still be hard to beat? Of course – why would anyone think otherwise – but a huge chunk of them has gone – one which defined there history.
It now remains to be seen wether time and the Gods of fate will collide to bring him to OT
Make no mistake I talk from the soul where a lot of us won’t go – I also understand when anyone will say to me no way MG – and again I respect that – this piece of writing isn’t anything but a point of view and what I am saying is that other’s will not agree and I admit that and of course respect that.
But what I am also saying is this . This club resembles Barca in it’s dedication to youth – in fact we are the bearers of the youth system.
And for that – if things connect there is only one man that can take the job
And I assure you he wouldn’t be coming on a yearly contract – he’s be here to outdo what many a call “The Boss”
But you see all this is still as they say up in the air.
For now we still have The Boss
19
Let’s hope we turn in our usual standard of performance against bitters, obviously bar that disaster earlier at OT.
I am nervous as fuck though that we will be punished for letting the 8 points deteriorate.
The way they laboured against wolves though showed they struggle soon as expectancy comes back on them.
Calm heads & no more complacency til its mathematically in the bag should see us home.
MG
Great article pal, great definitions of what United resembles and what Barca also resemble..
I will reserve a judgement of who I feel should replace the great man at United, for me there is only one name and one name alone. However its neither my call nor decision, all I can do is hope
MG
Guardiola at United? Sounds rather Polemic doesn’t it ?
Anything over Mourinho please !
No Not Rafa
Anyone but those two, I’ll happily settle for Sam Allardyce
I want Pep Mourinho!
Seriosuly though, it’s a debate for another day. Destiny awaits on Monday. That’s all whats on my mind currently. Just hope the players understand whats at stake.. I’m sure the boss will have that covered. The long weekend begins…
Off the record
Norwegian TV with 9 hours prematch monday, Dippers and rentboys pherhaps 1 for their final I guess.
Mourinho is far better then Guardiola
the secret behind Guardiola succes is messi
Mourinho is one of the best in modern game he is only second to the master sir alex
What do we think about how we’ll set up? Really interested what Fergie does.
On the record, is a stylus. It has a small diamond … hey leave that alone you scouse bastard.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/apr/27/squad-sheets-manchester-city-manchester-united
For me it’s 2 more nightshifts then fly in to Manchester Sunday morning.
I can’t concentrate. I’m watching the clock all the time. It’s taking forever.
I could take the easy option and stay here. Watch it in pub with my United mates. There are ABU’s but no city fans. But the masochist in me is telling me I must go home for this one.
For fuck sake Monday. Hurry the fuck up
Under the record is a turntable, something we plan to do to city after the reverse at Old Trafford.
Trying to guess the Shitty XI:
——————-Hart——————
Richards Company Lesscott Clichy
————-Barry —– Toure————-
——–Sliva —————Naseri——
————–Tevez Aguero————–
Your average 4-4-2 but with Naseri and Silva playing narrow rather than wide, they’ll look to out-pass and out-move and monopolise midfield, prevent Rooney and Scholes from linking up. They’ll also look to test Carrick to the full (remember FA Cup semi).They think by playing both Aguero and Tevez, it will stifle our midfields forward movement because those two are on the break. They will use Barry and Toure to anchor their team because the forward line will not track back and Defend, they will be there in presence but not in effort.
I don’t believe United are good enough this year to sit back and soak up attacks. Honestly we should play wide, inwards, Valencia can kill Clichy, he’s beaten better, Nani/Giggs can both skim Richards who is very naive, Zabaleta is another story he has the experience so Young would be ideal for him. If we spread the ball quick and wide, the ball will connect with Welbeck or Rooney…who should both put in a Cole-Yorke show now more often. I have an odd feeling Giggs will be brought in to kill Richards with the old magic feet. It is important we play with efficiency and effectiveness.
We hit them quick and hard United style with the best wingers in the league. We should keep a clean sheet and hold our own because of the 6-1, we have to score 1st as usual.
I’m going for a 1-0. It is key Evra defends, so does the right back, Carrick keeps possesion and passes and moves forwards, Rooney need to be on his A Game, none of those 6/10 passes, none of those complacent passes and not running into trouble. We need Valencia to rape Clichy.
Can’t wait
good analyse clint
A criminal record, improves your perks as an LFC ticket holder.
Hope kettleneck gets fucked up by Jonny boy.
20
A broken record, keeps saying the same thing over and over. Skreeeeeaachhhhnnnkzzz!
I would play;
DDG,Rafa,Evans,Rio,Evra, Valencia,Carrick,Scholes,Nani,Welbeck,Rooney.
I get a feeling SAF will go another route though:
DDG, Jones, Evans,Rio, Evra, Valencia, Carrick,Scholes,Young,Welbeck,Rooney.
Are we on or off the record here? Me no understand, me feel lonely, me need mama
i have a feeling sir alex will make few changes i think giggs will start
city thought they’d be our noisy neighbours, Monday is the day to change that record.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4282014/City-v-United-Roberto-Mancini-wary-of-Manchester-Uniteds-inner-force.html
he try to find anything to explain his failure
Fuck!
“Everyone is fit. Apart from Paul Pogba, who is out for the season,” “I think all the players would love to play so it makes it very difficult because I’ve got to leave players out of the whole squad.”I can only pick 11 players and seven substitutes, so obviously I’ve got to leave three or four players on the sidelines who would love to play in this particular game.”It’s always hard for me. It doesn’t matter how much experience [I've got] or how long I’ve been in the game. Having to leave good players out of big games is torturous. It really is.” sir alex
@iced earth
Jose better than Pep? jose won a lot because almost all the teams(except porto) have huge transfer advantage over others..tell me a single team he build? his defencive is not what i want @ United. he is a guy who said why win 4/5-1 when u have 1-0..u might have genune doubts over Pep as he has the three best players at thier peak but he is always for a beautiful game and that is what made me United fan year ago.
mama,
want to kill city
put a gun against their head,
pull the trigger make them dead
mama,
their squad cost billions,
but now we’re going to make them really pay
mama,
ooooooooh,
i really want to make them cry,
if i’m not back again this time on tuesday,
(oh) oh carry on,
nothin’ really matters.
No way!
our time has come,
sends shivers down my spine,
body’s trembling all the time.
good luck everybody,
we’ve got to win,
gotta teach those blues it’s time to face the truth,
mama,
oooooooh,
i don’t wanna lose,
coz then i’d wish i’d never been born at all (all, carry on, nothin’ really matters),
i really want to make them cry, (yeah)
if i’m not back again this time on tuesday,
ooooooooooh (oh, carry on) yeah-yeah.
(nothin’ really matters)
Willie
I concur
Allow me to break the ice…
Albert
That was queentastic
King Eric, Eric the King…….what the fuck is going on in ROM land?
Jaysus
ZeeitIdidnot is surely not too far off from posting here shortly
We all know however, there’s only one KE
Is it Monday yet lads? Fuck me. Typically a Friday eve is beset by a feeling of joyous rapture at the weekend’s start. Sadly however, this weekend will be just a 48 hour prelude to what will hopefully be a blinding Monday!
Come on you Reds!!! Burry those fucking Bitters
God I love football, Sir Alex, United and everything truly Mancunian
zisididnotzee – well spotted mate! It’s ridiculous I tell you!
Thank God Evans is fit.
CedarsDevil – let us royally fuck those them bitters!
Thank Evans Fergie is fit!
I got the eric’s mixed up the other day
I think we should go with
Ddg
Rafa evans rio evra
Valencia carrick scholes young
Nani
Rooney
By playing nani behind rooney we’ll restrict toure and barry’s anchoring and setting up attacks!
It will also allow carrick to be more composed,
A midfield 3 is much better for city!
Then again I’m not sir alex!
He might even go with
Ddg
Rafa rio evans evra
Scholes carrick jones
Valencia rooney young/nani
Both formations seem good though I really doubt jones ability in midfield, he isn’t that experienced yet! Maybe in a couple more years
There’s only one King Eric, but there’s around 20 sachus!
ROM really got tring’ed a while back!
Thank Swire Michael Owen is fit!
The team that started against Everton works well for me. You can’t change that forward line. It was superb.
About all that pep talk,
I really think fergie can select his successor!
I’ll support whoever takes it up next
Even if that’s terry connor
Well maybe not him, but you get my drift
Evening reds..
and there is only one Irish hero here..
Costas –
he firat comment on this thread says a lot 
Sandeep – more like midnight for you
King Eric,
for god sake mate,
Hope you got hold of that shit addiction..
I m sure now that you are a father, you have washed up those bad parts of life..
This week i lost my best buddy because of his addiction to cough syrup such as Corex, Benadryl and then alcohol
anyway now that you are clean, lets hope your past is a forgotten chapter in your life…
Good evening mate…Been a tough tough week…
Fun stops when your homie is up in the box
Now I hope to see your face at the heaven gates
It ain’t never late in the game, this hating remains
With a grudge to see slugs straight through my frame
My heart aches with the pain, the life in his breath
After 40 years watching and supporting United I fear for us on Monday!! I’m a nervous wreck already & knowing how United love (!) to put their supporters through the wringer – I reckon we’ll lose but then Citeh will draw at St.James’ leaving us clear to pick up title No.20.
Of course I’d love it if we won 3-0 and put this title race to bed but that just ain’t the United way.
Costas,
will you stop playing that bubble witch saga which i read as bubble bitch saga
I’d play Herbie Hancock in the withdrawn role!
@Sandeep
I like playing with balls mate.
And I can’t help it if your mind reads dirty thoughts. 
Lets hope this thread proves lucky. And no 2nd one please!
Sir alex is smart, he’ll put the black widow in a withdrawn role! And maybe one of those ever optimistic united fans on the touchline!
Critics are idiots anyways.
We are United without any doubt, cos we are the Manchester boys!!!!
Chuffer- let’s hope it doesn’t come to that!
I do however think, irrespective of what happens on monday, the barcodes will get a result against city! But hey I also thought taibi was a good goalkeeper.
I hate the word citeh. By using this spelling your actually taking the piss out of the Manchester accent. Is that ok on a United blogg? I don’t think so.
Eric Keane..
yeah mate its 3 AM here…
Costas
My mind isnt dirty jujst because its mid night
Saw a pic where our kit manager Albert is driving the golf cart with Rooney smiling and Young confused
Who am I supposed to be now? Lee Trevino’s caddy?
mancdub – fair point.
Maybe it is self-deprecating to mock Mancs, unless specifically referring to the blue quarter.
Not that I’ve used the term you mention, and I definitely won’t use it after your reveal.
There is a difference between Albert and Alberto Rossi
Evening mate
may be the 50 Million invested on Torres was to bring Pep to bridge..
Certainly its his goal that was the final nail in the coffin..:P
Good evening Sandeep1878!
We need a good bench for monday. I’d suggest a redwood pew.
Difficult to bring in, but we can leave it there because we’re going to own their spot.
MG –
another point you missed is that United had a deal in place to bring in Guardiola in 2001 if Im not mistaken. However, at the last moment he chose to move to Italy. And when again in 2003, when he wanted a move, SAF promptly entered the negotiations. But he rejected saying he was too old for United and would not want a situation where United were carrying him.
I do recall reading somewhere that why he was even interested in MUFC was our history, focus on youth, SAF building on the SMB model and it was the next best thing (for a catalan, at least!) to Barca which has been setup in the same way.
Again, not an endorsement for getting him on board – just recalled this and posted.
Hope Rafael gives it on the cunt’s face again this Monday night
Injury updates:
Nani picks up a knock but Evans available for Monday
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/nani-limps-out-of-training-at-manchester-uniteds-weekend-in-wales-7685237.html
Hmmm, I reckon … Berbatov first scorer, Ferdinand to get the winner.
Perhaps I should bet, what odds might I be offered?
Heh, it was Gibson that injured Evans. As for Nani, like I said last week, I’d go with Young for defensive reasons and keep him as an emergency sub.
Cheers Fletch.
Just watching MUTV…the Derby @ OT 2009…my word I hate to say it but WHAT a goal Carlos Tevez scored for us against the bitters that day + hit the post twice as well.
Great game that. Rafael @ 18 had Robinho in his pocket all game. Ronaldo with a trademark freekick and then throwing his toys out the pram when he got substituted. Berba was quality that day as well. Fletcher bossing things in midfield with Carrick on the bench. Nemanja had a blinder as well. Miss both those lads immensely!!! Edwin with a couple class saves too!
I’ll admit I absolutely loved Tevez when he wore the red shirt. he’s a class class player and I was bloody gutted when he went to City. Fast forward a couple years…he hasn’t featured in any of the 3 games we have played vs City this season and it looks likely that Mondays game will quite possibly be the last time we play them with Tevez playing as I can’t see him staying @ City any longer so let’s hope we do those bastards and that twat as well. I believe we CAN get a positive result there’s no doubt in my mind! We also have a decent record @ wasteland as well. Can’t wait!
United won’t dominate city at the etihad, so it’s time for good old counter-attacking football. It’s the type of contest in which efficiency and discipline rules all. We have to put in the best defensive display we possibly can, always keep composure on the ball and passing has to be as accurate as ever, we have to pressure them when they get on the ball. It will be a very difficult game, we’re bound to face some serious pressure from the start, we have to resist and simply break forward with intelligence. Ruthless clinical finishing will also be paramount. Anyway, nerves are jangling but hopefully we can come good.
Costas, Cheers mate. What you make of the links with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa? Looks the typical bull, but there are a couple reputable sites that are repeating it. ?! Tend to hold off on the chatter, but this could be Park out if true.
My idea of the transfer list is:
Park Ji-Sung
Kiko Macheda
Anderson
Dimitar Berbatov
Michael Owen
Richie De Laet
Bebe
Kuzchack
Loans:
Rafael (maybe)
Fábio (definitely)
Keane brothers
Veseli
Friars
Lingard
Dean, watching any game with Fletcher fit just makes me sad….. What to do
Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck’s partnership could be as potent as Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke’s, says manager
Can someone please tell me WTF Hernandez has done wrong?
I wouldnt blame him if he walks… Welbeck is naff and I am not just going to go off 1 10 min spell against Everton.
1 goal in 14 is NOT good enough… regardless of build up play he does…. I await to be proven wrong
GGMU
Welbeck went through a lean spell, but which striker (particulary at his age) doesn’t? Against Everton he proved his quality in the entire 2nd half. Not just a few minutes.
As for Hernandez, he hasn’t done anything wrong, but it’s obvious which partnership clicks best right now. Just like last year the Rooney/Hernandez partnership was prefered over the Rooney/Berbatov partnership, that’s exactly what’s happened now.
@Fletch
I just heard about this rumor today pal. I haven’t heard much about Kagawa. It’s hard to tell, but it sounds to me like your typical silly season speculation. We will see in the summer. For what it’s worth, I believe Park could be on the way out anyway. But that’s a hunch..
Costas.. I hear what u saying.. You say it was the 2nd half I say it was 10 mins… Surely 1 half isn’t good enough 1 goal in 14 definitely aint good enough.. That’s Forlan standards.. Just because they did a one two reminiscent of cole Yorke against Barca does not mean they are a patch on them.. But I can’t see where the Rooney/Welbeck partnership has clicked?!? Rooney/Chico were on a phycic wavelength last year and it showed in every game. It doesn’t with Welbeck n Rooney.. They both want to be involved in buildup and very rarely put the opposing keeper under pressure.. Shot wise.. Chico isn’t having the peverbial 2nd season as he isn’t getting the run that his performances last year warranted. Seems a bit shitty on the gy to be left out for someone who is average at best.
@James7t7
I don’t buy into the Yorke/Cole comparison just yet either, but that doesn’t mean they don’t work well as a partnership. These two started together at the Emirates, the Etihad and White Heart Lane (among other places) and didn’t do too bad as a partnership. Rooney and Javier clicked very well last season, but that hasn’t happened so far this season. Pea has had his injury problems and has also looked average in quite a few games. I think Fergie would have been more torn about what his best partnership was if Hernandez gave him more to think about. In my opinion anyway. Welbeck has also looked below par on a number of occasions, but seems to have raised his game in recent weeks.
As for the goals, earlier in the season, Rooney scored 2 in 10 games and both of them were penalties. Like I said, anyone can go through a drought.
Welbeck is a rubbish striker coming to the end of his playing career,12 goals and he’s 30 turning 31. He’s been a poor striker for 10 years now and SAF should have booted him when he scored that jammy goal against Stoke in 2008.
James7t7 – Well spotted mate
Chicharito is the man with 10 goals in 27 Premier League games while Welbeck has a poor 9 in 29. Thats some really poor poor work from Danny especially when he plays at least a dozen more than Cheech.
I say we sell Welbeck, Berbatov and Owen and just buy Karim Benzema or Yelavic.
Welbeck got 1 goal & 2 assist against Everton yet the fans still felt un-satisfied? WOW! What are we? A club with less dignity, lack patience likes Real Madrid, Chelsea or Manchester United which proud of their history?
WTF has hernandez done wrong? err maybe the fact other strikers are in better form than him would answer that. Welbeck deserves to start on merit, he’s the player with the better all around game and creativity.
Hernandez needs to adapt his game. For a man with so called blistering speed, he gets caught off-side far too often for more liking. He’s a quality striker inside the box but like i always say, that’s not enough to be a starter these days. He once said he needed to add other repertoire to his skill set and that’s exactly what needs to happen. He needs improvements on his all round game in order to elevate into world class status.
After saying all that, it would be brilliant if hernandez made a major impact in the derby. That would be typical.
Good morning fellow reds. Woohoo it’s Saturday………….oh wait! Utd don’t play on Saturdays anymore.
I wish I shared Scott’s confidence about Monday. I really hope I’m wrong but I have a bad feeling about Monday night.
Keep the faith
We’ll get the result we need.
In other news: Pep Guardiola’s end at Barca due to the high demands of success just shows how well Fergie has done to stay rejuvenated year after year. Huge respect for Pep and what he achieved though.
I would take a boring 0:0 now!!!!!
Michael Owen on as sub in added time and history is repeated. Didn’t SAF say sometime ago that he thought he had at least one more big goal in him. Maybe that time is about to come.
Good day Reds!
From Manutd.com an article on Jonny’s prowess on bringing the ball out of defense, which has recently shone. Evans maintains that his shift to the right hand side of defense brings his stronger right foot more into play.
“Evans always had fantastic ability, even as a kid,” Sir Alex Ferguson said. “He was very talented as a boy when he came over here from Ireland at 12 years of age. We were never quite sure if he was going to be a midfield player or a centre-back.”
That revelation was a surprise even to Jonny, who says he’s only ever concentrated on defending during his time at United. “That’s the first time I’ve heard that!” he said.
People forget how much football Hernandez has played for a good 2 years now without having a break.
Welbeck is the better all round player right now and deserves his place beside Rooney. And the fact that we are out of all the cup competition early means that rotation wasn’t needed. Blame Sir Alex for fielding weaken teams against Basel & Benfica for that.
But what done is done, we have only 3 games left this season, and we will have to field our strongest lineup (or most effective) for all 3 matches, Scholes included. Martin O’Neill came out and blasted Mancini for saying we have a easier run in, and he made perfect sense. For all those saying City will have a tough game against Newcastle, remember 1 thing. The 2 teams we are going to face after City are teams that have actually took points off City.
Morning.
Welbeck is “naff”?
Welbeck is a much better all round player than Hernandez. He is fast, strong, links up, tireless. If Hernandez isn’t putting the ball in the net and the opposition are parking the bus he is pretty ineffective. Why the fuck would he walk? He has to FIGHT for his place.
Clint and Samuel – Good assessments last night. From what I recall in most games recently against the bitters we HAVE dominated most of the game till we either went down to ten men or took our foot off the gas. City will be very loathe to bring it forward despite needing a win. Its in their make up.
Mick Quinn this morning “Well I haven’t been on all week but WELL DONE MOYES AND THE LADS” How fucking smalltime can you get. A big Liverpool fan is actually pleased their cross town rivals are doing things to make it hard for us to win the league because his own shithouse club can’t. Fuck off you non impartial , biased scouse cunt. Go abuse some horses.
Fletch – Hello mate. Although I have said Park may be sold I hope he isn’t. Still a damn good squad player.
Costas – Morning pal. Will email when get a minute .
Welbeck one goal in 14? What. Villa, Wolves and Everton for starters in recent games. 13 goals in 39 starts. 1 in 3. Not bad. He offers so mich more though.
Phil Hyde Red – Hhmm. I too have a feeling there will be a big goal to come from Owen at some stage in the next couple of games.
Josh – Ha. I agree. Would take a boring nil nil too.
Welbeck’s record was actually 1 in 14. It was between his goal against Arsenal and his goal against Villa. He only scored at Molineux during that time. Not that it means a lot…
@KIng Eric
Hi mate. Sure, take your time.
Costas – Cheers mate. Oh I know that but he has scored 3 in last ? so many!
Fuck off John Ring Piece you cunt.
King Eric
Morning pal, where are you watching the match on Monday? Either way, best you keep your phone next to you, at the end of the 90 this nutter will be giving you a ring, totally voiceless, drunk and celebrating a result!
A man of few posts these days and few words……… Yet when he speaks we bow down and listen…
Kings – I salute you mate….
CedarsDevil – Thank you my good friend. Hope you are well buddy.
Boring 0-0?
I hope we teach the fuckers a footballing lesson.
Never ever walk away from a fight.
That’s not The United Way.
19
And Good Morning Manchester United
MG
Was thinking the same thing, if it does end nil nil than fine but I doubt that the lads will be playing for it, its not the United way…..Anyway, I expect anything but a boring match…
Kings
Doing great pal, so bloody pumped up its ridiculous!
Morning Cedars
Now boring would be sitting at home watching the rain fall by
Wouldn’t it be interesting to be in a bar on a beach watching bikini clad babes go by instead?
Wait.
Kings – Morning pal “John Ring Piece”. Quality.
Cedars – At home mate. Yes give me a bell please so long as it doesn’t cost me!!
MG – Alright pal. Oh I don’t suspect for a minute we wil play for a boring nil nil BUT I would take it all day long.
MG
Being a night kick off the babes will be wearing a bit more than bikinis, still I do not mind as it leaves the imagination to do some work!!
King Eric
Its my treat pal, so no cost at your end!! Was gonna call you a few names but its still way too early in the day!! ha ha ha
@King Eric
Yeah, it’s safe to say it’s gotten better in recent weeks for Danny. Now it’s 3 in the last 6. The goals will come if he works on his finishing. I like his all around play more though. For me, he should try to be more like Saha. He also missed his fair share of chances, but his all around movement was brilliant.
I think that Rooney has had a few ’1-in-14′ periods at United. Worse, probably.
In Europe, it felt like he would never score. I think he had a CL drought lasting over a year.
Ronaldo couldn’t score in Europe for ages. Ole wasn’t remarkably prolific, and had droughts.
We don’t can a player for a drought, especially when he is an important cog in the machine.
Any United supporter who isn’t 100% behind Danny, is an enigma and a paradox, to me.
Hang on.. It’s because I am a utd supporter that I can criticise Welbeck. Christ I used to slate Evans.. But I can thankfully say he has proved me wrong for the majority of the season.
My preference is Chico everyday of the week.. Sure I agree he does tend to get caught offside than he should considering his pace but he is intelligent to get that sorted over time.
His natural eye for goal and movement is so immense that for me he is a starter every game. I think with his pace and Rooney natural stance of playing behind the striker works.
I don’t think Rooney knows where Welbeck is half the time and on the occasion when they do get it right it works but it’s not too often.
Welbeck is an extremely frustrating player that needs time and in matches where teams sit back and defend he seems to lack the ambition to try anything different, whereas due to his pace and shot ability Chico always gives you hope.
I don’t agree Chico has had a bad season this year because he hasn’t been given the opportunity to get a decent run in the team, even though his goal ratio has been much better than Danny’s.
I’m not writing Danny off but hes a strong guy.. Has pace.. But he never uses it to bulky defenders. He warrants the bench this season IMO
I hope he proves me wrong too but I’m only sayin what I see week in week out.
James7t7 – you are a reasonable guy, and I don’t think poorly of you at all.
For me, being 100% behind Danny and Jonny is natural, and I don’t really understand how being a supporter entitles one to slate players. Perhaps it does, but no one can tell me why.
i don’t think you’re slating Danny, perhaps you are. I don’t think any Red is entitled to either,
but maybe that’s just me.
Morning King Eric
I have to run – need to sort out a problem – no water supply in the house at all
I was just thinking James would really come in handy right now!
19
I’d call it constructive critism
I don’t slate players as that’s usually unjust.
I don’t think Chico is getting a fair crack this season… Has he done something to fall out of favour???.. If someone blistering is keeping him out then fair enough.. I wouldn’t use that to describe Danny’s form this year.
I hope the stance doesn’t cost us silverware or the player if team like Real come knocking.
I think Berbatov (more than Hernandez) should be upset about the amount of games he’s played. Pea has still managed to play 35 games this season. Fair enough, he hasn’t started many in a row, but he rarely went more than 2-3 without starting. Berbatov has played 20 games and when you take form into consideration, there were times this season when he shouldn’t have been 4th in line. Speaking of records, he actually has a better goals/games average than Danny and Javier.
But at the end of the day it’s irrelevant. Because above form or stats, Fergie makes up his mind based on what he feels is the best partnership. And at the moment, that seems to be Rooney and Danny.
Well, knowing which stance cost us silverware is a complicated business. There is no reasonable way that we can attribute lack of success to our own personal gripes, because then every gripe of other Reds must get credit too, resulting in the ‘Chicharito’s absence’ option having minimal effect.
Also, it is true that a myriad of factors affect selection. Most of these factors we are not aware of.
It is said that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. If you want to make a lot of puddings every year, it’s best to chose a recipe that will give you consistently good results. Developing Danny Welbeck into a world-class player with good temperament and values is our chosen path. A good path that we know has served us well. Neither Berbatov’s immediately available quality, nor Hernandez goal scoring feats will derail that.
Chicharito, like all players at United, must play well every chance he gets, and enjoy learning and living with United. He will know that not every season will belong to him, but he will always play a big role in winning trophies. Always he must improve, knowing that United believe in him and his rewards will be rich. If he can top the United scoring charts 3 times in the next 8 years, we will be happy and he will be ecstatic. For Hernandez and United, it’s not really about any 1 year in particular. No striker is the best every year.
Now imagine Welbeck with Hernandez’s finishing!
Damn!
Now I have to clean my keyboard!
Or imagine Hernandez with Berba’s skill.
Or Chico Berba Welbeck and Owen rolled into one. Fair points all round.. Utd is a team rather than individuals and whoever chooses to stand up against city will be the hero of the season… I hope that’s Welbeck
Hernandez looks happy enough on the bench for now. Did you see him going crazy with delight for our 3rd or 4th goal against Everton. He was freaking more estatic than everyone out there!
I think Sir Alex is trying to play Welbeck into form, like what he always does with Rooney. So I presume Sir Alex feels a on form Welbeck is better than a Hernandez that scores more.
I hope Welbeck take skill lessons from Berbatov while he is still here & finishing lessons from Owen for that matter
most of the united squad have not experienced the title run in! Hope that it doesn’t cause a nervous breakdown! Gotta win or Draw….else kick the remaining 3 around for fun and outscore city!
@Albert Ross
I had dream Rio scored the winner!
KingOfStretfordEnd – That is a wonderful dream!
He doesn’t score often, so to get the winner in this derby will be really special!
SAF: said: “If City win on Monday they probably would win it from there, yes.
“Even though they have got to go to Newcastle, I think they’d have a great chance. No doubt about that. Two games to go. A home and an away game.
“If we won, we’d be strong favourites.
“A draw, we’d be favourites — we’d have to be happy with that. But we won’t be talking about going there not to lose.”